Ryan Sinatra has come home.
After performing in Washington, D.C., Maine and New York City, the Jamestown native will play The Q on Friday night.
A 2008 Jamestown High School graduate, Sinatra began creating electronic music last year, using the name "Notixx," derived from the word "hypnotics."
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Ryan Sinatra, known as “Notixx,” will perform at The Q in Jamestown on Friday night.
Sinatra picked the name for its uniqueness, allowing him to build an online identity.
"I've developed a big online following," said Sinatra, who completed his bachelor's degree in graphic design at Binghamton University this spring. "I think living in a smaller town actually helped me in a way. I started building an online presence first instead of passing out CDs on the street."
He began booking shows using an email account and soon met up with manager Tom Burke, of Buffalo. It didn't take Sinatra long to land gigs out of the area; he performed in Bangor, Maine, in January.
"I had no idea I would have that good of a turnout as a headliner (in Bangor)," he said. "They packed the club I was in. They said they had never had that big of a turnout before."
A month later, Sinatra performed in Washington, D.C.
"It was really surreal," he said. "I could actually see the Capitol building from where I was playing. That was a really cool moment for me. There had to be at least 1,000 people crammed into this room."
Sinatra returned to D.C. for a performance and has built a following in Virginia, playing a handful of shows in the state.
During gigs, Sinatra plays half originals and half covers of electronic music artists. He focuses on keeping the crowd entertained at all times.
"I don't want there to be a time when the music stops," he said. "I think it's important to constantly have music playing. It's supposed to be fun and interesting and keep your mind working."
Although his music spans genres, Sinatra said it's all bass-heavy, dance music. He currently has between 60 and 70 originals at his disposal.
"Every song has to be different," he said. "I think it's really important to adapt with the changing times. People have a really short attention span."
Beginning at 9 p.m., Friday's show will be a change for Sinatra; he has never played The Q on Second Street before. He expects a good turnout, though.
"It's their 18-and-up night," he said, noting his music is most popular with young adults. "That makes a big difference."
Sinatra will also perform at the Imagination Collaboration Festival in Panama on Saturday. He has gigs lined up for most upcoming weekends, including an October show in Texas.
Sinatra is considering a move to Buffalo, where he could live near his manager. The location change would be about more than music, however.
"I'd really like to make a career out of music," Sinatra said. "At the same time, I am going to look for actual work. I really love graphic design."
Sinatra, who creates his flyers and album covers, said he could work a day job, make music at night and play shows on weekends.
For more information on Sinatra, find "Notixx" on Facebook or SoundCloud.
"Backstage Pass'' is a feature of The Post-Journal showcasing local artists, their music and their accomplishments. Send recommendations for future "Backstage Pass'' subjects to Scott Shelters at sshelters@post-journal.com or call 487-1111, ext. 255.